Democracy and Election Law

Course Catalog Number:
5130
Course Credits:
1
Course Type:
Lecture
Course Priority:
General Enrollment Course
Full Year Course:
No

Course Description

Democracy depends on fair processes for the election of candidates to office. This course will explore current issues in the law governing the electoral process. The course will examine the leading cases defining the legal landscape. We will focus on the rights to speech, polling place requirements and recounts by examining recent Supreme Court cases. We will also review the ecosystems of five Midwestern states which are often targeted in the presidential elections, as well as federal requirements on campaign contributions and expenditures for campaigns, candidates and individuals based on Guides issued by the Federal Election Commission. Finally, we will consider Pennsylvania state law limitation on campaigns.